News

British star Chantelle Cameron discusses Brazil 2016 run

December 15, 2015

Chris Glover – World Boxing News

Chantelle Cameron has really announced herself as a top draw performer on the British and European amateur scene. Now she is ready to take on the world and more interestingly could cross swords with Katie Taylor.

For those who do not know, what is your background in boxing like? What has it been like growing up in Northampton boxing wise?

I started boxing when I was 18. I remember the first day I walked into Kings Heath boxing club and it was filled with guys and I was a shy young girl. It took me a while to get use to being in a male dominant environment but they all made me feel very welcome and i was just like one of the lads. Boxing in Northampton has always been of a good quality and I had heard a lot about the clubs in Northampton so I thought I would try it out to improve my hands for kickboxing.

You’ve done everything there is to do on a domestic level as an amateur, do you think you’re starting to peak ahead of Rio?

I think my timing couldn’t have been any better. I feel like I’ve found my feet in international boxing and I have years of experience now and I think I am peaking just in good timing for Rio.

You’ve recently been out to Brazil is a tournament where you won Gold. How did that experience rank among the other international tournaments you have been too?

Having just returned from Rio the Olympic test event with a gold medal to bring home, it was a great achievement for me and my family/friends/coaches are very proud it was a good test run of hopefully what might be next year. If all goes to plan.

You have the possibility of facing Katie Taylor? Does that phase you or does it excite you?

I would be excited to box Katie Taylor no opponent fazes or worries me. She is an amazing athlete and role model and in my opinion the best female amateur boxer there has ever been but if I face her and when the bell goes, she is only another human with the same as me two arms and two legs. I am hoping to get the opportunity to box Katie.

Do you intend on turning professional and what does the future hold for Chantelle Cameron post Rio 2016?

For the time being my focus is on Rio 2016 I would love to turn professional and give it a shot, but my coach has advised me to stay amateur for a few more years as I am still only 24 and at the moment there is nothing in female professional boxing.

Chantelle has a big future and a very interesting upcoming year. She is very highly thought of at the GB setup and hopefully she will be returning home from Rio with a medal next year! The prospect of a showdown against Katie Taylor is an excellent fight that is likely to happen at the Rio games. Chantelle is definitely one to watch out for!